Apple has revealed a new batch of emoji coming to the iPhone with the upcoming iOS 26.4 update. The latest developer beta includes eight new emoji designs that expand the emoji library with additional expressive characters and symbols.
The iOS 26.4 new emoji are based on the Unicode 17 standard that was finalized in September 2025. While the Unicode Consortium defines which emoji become part of the global standard, Apple creates its own visual designs before bringing them to iPhone users through software updates.
The emoji are currently available in the developer beta of iOS 26.4. Apple typically introduces newly approved emoji in spring updates, so the iOS 26.4 new emoji are expected to arrive for all iPhone users once the update finishes beta testing.
The iOS 26.4 new emoji include:
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Distorted Face > A face rendered with a fish eye effect that stretches the eyes outward and creates an exaggerated shocked expression.
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Fight Cloud > A swirling cartoon style cloud representing a chaotic scuffle.
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Ballet Dancer > A dancer balancing on one foot in a classic ballet pose.
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Orca > A killer whale emoji representing the marine animal.
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Hairy Creature > A shaggy creature commonly associated with the Bigfoot myth.
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Trombone > A brass instrument expanding the existing set of musical emoji.
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Landslide > A rocky slope with falling stones that visually represents a landslide.
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Treasure Chest > An open chest filled with gold coins, jewels, and a crown.
The fourth developer beta of iOS 26.4 includes the new emoji now, alongside other features being tested for the upcoming release. Apple has not confirmed a public launch date yet, but the iOS 26.4 update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks if the current beta testing cycle proceeds as usual.
